In an unexpected revelation, a Texas-based dentist, Dr. Ellie Phillips, with a substantial TikTok following of 219k, has cautioned against the seemingly harmless habit of sipping water throughout the day. In a recent video garnering nearly 14,000 views within two days, Dr. Phillips sheds light on the adverse effects of this common practice on dental health.
Contrary to the widely accepted belief that drinking water consistently is beneficial, Dr. Phillips contends that it can be detrimental to dental well-being. She explains, “This is why sipping on water all throughout the day is not good for your teeth. And this applies to all liquids. The spit or the saliva that comes into your mouth is the mouth’s most healing liquid.”
Dr. Phillips emphasizes the healing properties of saliva, which contains essential minerals, immune cells, and proteins necessary for gum health. Medical research supports her claims, as saliva is known to protect tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay and gum disease, according to Web MD.
By diluting saliva through constant water intake, individuals may inadvertently compromise its benefits. Dr. Phillips warns, “This is why people who sip liquids all day have sensitive teeth, gum recession, cracked enamel. Their teeth are weak, they break, they think they need night guards and retainers. What they need is to give their own saliva … adequate time to interact with their teeth and gums.”
To counteract this potential harm, Dr. Phillips suggests alternatives. She recommends breathing through the nose to ensure adequate saliva production and encourages drinking liquids during designated times, allowing saliva to accumulate naturally.
The dentist’s unconventional advice has sparked mixed reactions among her followers. Some expressed confusion, with one follower asking, “So how should I drink water?” Another follower found the advice contradictory, stating, “This is contradictory to drinking water for proper digestion. This makes things very confusing.”
In light of Dr. Phillips’ insights, the age-old wisdom of continuous water sipping is now under scrutiny, prompting individuals to reconsider their hydration habits for the sake of optimal dental health.
